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The city of Ojai issued permits July 7 for the first medical cannabis dispensaries within the city limits. The Shangri La Care Cooperative (SLCC), the Sespe Creek Collective and AgMD all received tentative approval for non-retail dispensary and delivery of cannabis-based products intended for therapeutic purposes, according to Ojai City Manager Steve McClary.

“Both Shangri La and Sespe Creek have demonstrated experience in providing medical cannabis to patients, and AgMD presented a very strong business plan with very qualified personnel,” McClary wrote in a July 7 email. “It was not an easy decision to make, and we appreciate everyone who applied to the City.”

The decision to issue the permits came after extensive interviews and background checks, he said, following an application process that began in January.

“We got the good news yesterday afternoon,” said Chelsea Sutula, chief executive officer of Sespe Creek Collective. “We hope to be up and running in the near future with the security of the city permits behind us.”

“I'm certainly happy we finally have a determination by the city,” SLCC cofounder Jeff Kroll said July 7, “and I'm happy the city is moving forward no matter what powers they have working against them.”